The much-anticipated film, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, was released on Friday, June 2, in the United States. Originally scheduled for release in October 2022, it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest sequel boasts the talents of multi-award-winning Jamaican entertainer Ziggy Marley and up-and-coming artist Toian. Toian is featured on an Afrobeats song from the film’s soundtrack.
In the Spider-Verse, Marley lends his voice to the character Lenny, a store owner who stands up to a thief trying to shoplift from him. Marley’s Jamaican accent is evident in the humorous interaction as the robber attempts to broker a deal with Lenny to let him loot the establishment. Ziggy, an accomplished musician, is not only recognized for his musical exploits but also for his work in animated films. In 2004, he lent his voice to the character Ernie, a shark in the movie Shark Tale.
This latest film is set against the backdrop of Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, being catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Similar to its predecessor, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has garnered universal acclaim from critics. A third film, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, is scheduled to be released on March 29, 2024, while a female-focused spin-off film is in development.
